Karnal MC to make eight night shelters functional for homeless

Aiming at providing shelters to homeless people on cold nights, the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) has decided to start all eight night shelters in the city. Out of these eight shelters, six are operated by the KMC and two by the Labour Department. Of all these shelters, one is permanent, while seven are temporary. The permanent shelter, located near the Kaithal Road Railway Flyover in Prem Nagar, is a two-storey facility with a capacity of 80 persons. Other night shelters are located near the railway station, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College emergency gate, behind the old bus stand taxi stand, near the UHBVN office in Sector 12 and at Meerut Road Chowk.

KMC Commissioner Dr Vaishali Sharma has directed the officials to ensure all basic amenities are provided at the shelters.

“As the winter season starts, the officials have been directed to start all eight night shelters in the city to ensure all these are fully functional within a week. Mattresses, blankets, heaters, drinking water, toilets, and electricity should be in all shelter homes. If additional blankets or mattresses are needed, the officials have been instructed to communicate with the Red Cross Secretary,” said Dr Vaishali.

The urban project officer has been assigned the duty to appoint caretakers and watchmen for the proper maintenance of the shelter homes, while sanitation officials have been instructed to ensure regular cleaning of the nearby public toilets. The Junior Engineer was directed to promptly repair any damages in the shelters. Dr Vaishali also hinted at conducting surprise inspections to ensure compliance.

To inform citizens and homeless people, the Commissioner directed the installation of flex boards at prominent locations such as bus stands, railway station, markets, and major intersections. These boards will display the locations of the night shelters and a helpline number for assistance. She also announced the formation of a team to transport people sleeping in open areas, such as under flyovers, to the nearest shelters.

She appealed to the residents to assist homeless individuals by guiding them to the shelters. She also encouraged donors to provide blankets and other items directly at the night shelters instead of public areas like bus stands or flyovers, ensuring that no one sleept out in the cold.